Ceremonial cacao with spices

This cacao is prepared in a pot using real cacao and aromatic spices. Its rich texture, natural bitterness, and gentle sweetness combine into an intense, deep flavor that pleasantly warms and surprises with its complexity.

Ingredients:

• Finely chopped cacao (25 g)
• Water (160 ml)
• Plant-based milk, such as oat, almond, or other (90 ml)
• Date syrup (1 tsp, or 1.5–2 tsp for a sweeter taste) – can be substituted with maple syrup, honey, or unrefined sugar
• A pinch of cinnamon
• A pinch of cardamom
• A pinch of salt
• A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, but adds warmth)

Preparation:

• Finely chop the cacao and set it aside.
• Pour two-thirds of the water and one-third of the plant milk into a cup, then transfer everything into a pot.
• Add all the spices and your chosen sweetener to the pot. Stir and heat over medium heat.
• Heat until the liquid begins to rise, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
• Add the chopped cacao to the pot and stir with a silicone spatula for about four to five minutes, until fully melted.
• For a silky-smooth texture, blend with a hand blender for 15–20 seconds or whisk by hand.